By The Sampadak Express
In a move that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, Virat Kohli has reportedly informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his intention to retire from Test cricket. While the decision was conveyed to the BCCI nearly a month ago, media reports brought it to light only on Saturday just weeks ahead of India’s high-stakes Test series against England.
The timing of the 36-year-old’s reported retirement has raised eyebrows, drawing criticism and even mockery from some quarters. The official handle of the County Championship took a sly dig at Kohli on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), posting a ten-second clip of England pacers Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue taking wickets, accompanied by the caption: “We don’t blame you, Virat.” The post subtly hinted that Kohli’s decision may have been influenced by the challenge of facing England’s pace attack.
Kohli, who has played 123 Tests and scored over 8,200 runs, is just 770 runs short of the elusive 10,000-run milestone in the longest format. Despite his legendary status, the last four years have seen a dip in form, with Kohli averaging just 30.72 and scoring only three centuries in 69 innings.
Following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket on May 7, Kohli’s exit would leave a major leadership vacuum in the Indian side ahead of the England series. Sources within the BCCI suggest the board is not ready to accept his decision and is exploring ways to convince the former skipper to reconsider. A prominent former BCCI official, described as a “highly influential person,” is expected to speak with Kohli before the squad is finalized later this month.
With the team in transition and a crucial tour on the horizon, all eyes remain on Kohli’s next move and whether he will indeed bid farewell to the format that helped define his cricketing legacy.
